Sister Letitia Lenherr

“Moment by moment, I am called to be a more loving person.”
-Sister Letitia

Sister Letitia Lenherr, SCL, 91, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth for 72 years, passed away on November 29, 2024. Born Letitia Ann Lenherr on April 18, 1933, in St. Marys, Kansas, she was the fourth of seven children of Paul J. and Regina (née Schuler) Lenherr. Following in the footsteps of her sister, the late Sister Mary Cecilia Lenherr, SCL, Letitia entered religious life on August 22, 1952, taking the name Sister Mary Duchesne upon receiving her habit. Later, she returned to her baptismal name.

Sister Letitia often attributed her deep faith to her parents, who gave her “roots to grow and wings to fly.” Growing up, strong Catholic values and close friendships with the local Jesuit priests shaped her faith life and spiritual journey. She cherished her early, formative years, frequently reflecting on treasured memories of family, faith, and conversations about God that remained close to her heart.

Sister Letitia joined the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth when she was 19, candidly admitting she was not fully aware of what she was doing. Yet, she quickly and fervently embraced her calling with faith, full heart, dedication, and commitment. Sister Letitia earned a BS in education from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, and taught for nearly two decades in elementary schools across Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Wyoming.

In the mid-1970s, Sister’s ministry shifted to full-time parish work throughout the West and Midwest, a role that exercised her love for serving God’s people. She was particularly devoted to her 14-year ministry at St. Matthew’s Parish in Gillette, Wyoming, where she cared for the sick and elderly and taught and facilitated parish groups. Sister Letitia’s faith radiated throughout her ministry, with her love of God and God’s people and genuine care for each individual in the parish community. She loved the outdoors and open spaces and often talked about the beautiful and magnificent mountain ranges. Sister was attentive to where she was and where she served, and said in a 1991 article for the Wyoming Catholic Register: “The more aware I become, the more beautiful life becomes. Life is right now—this moment only! It is in the moment that we find our God.”

Sister Letitia returned to the Mother House in Leavenworth in 2011, where she engaged in volunteer ministry and focused more deeply on prayer and being a presence within the SCL Community. She brought joy to the Mother House with her zest for life, her good energy, and her cheerful disposition. Sister retired to Ross Hall in 2022 and loved her life there, ever deepening her relationship with God, with Sisters she lived with, and with the staff she got to know. She was grateful for her many blessings, especially the many relationships formed throughout her lifetime.

Sister Letitia was a beloved Sister, aunt, companion, and friend. She had an infectious laugh, a joyful spirit, a positive outlook, and a grateful heart. She accepted her illness with grace and a deep faith and trust in God, expressing gratitude for her long and blessed life. She was honest, genuine, and kind with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. She was an avid reader and devoted Chiefs and Notre Dame fan to the end.

Sister Letitia was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Paul and John Lenherr; and her sisters, Sister Mary Cecilia, Josepha Mulvihill, and Regina Simonton. She is survived by her sister Ann (Don) Henry of Albuquerque, New Mexico, nieces and nephews, and the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Community.

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.